4 Blue Jackets breakout candidates to watch closely this season

The Columbus Blue Jackets recently completed their final offseason priority by signing restricted free-agent forward Adam Fantilli. With his contract finalized, Fantilli has returned to team practice as Columbus looks ahead to the upcoming NHL season.

Fantilli is entering his fourth year in the NHL and has become the franchise's highest-paid player. The forward demonstrated consistent improvement across his first three seasons and is considered a prime candidate to take on a larger role as the team's franchise center.